Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Petit Verdot has a deep dark purple/black color some might describe it as inky. The hues are youthful without any signs of carmine. Aromas of pomegranate, cassis, and smoky blackberry are joined by notes of violets and a floral perfume. Just over a year of aging in small barrels has generated a bouquet of buttered toast and dark chocolate. On the palate savory flavors of mulberry, black cherry and cassis are delivered by a substantial wine with significant tannins and a full-bodied texture. Petit Verdot can be a highly extracted wine with monstrous tannins. We apply the same production techniques we use to tame Petite Sirah to the vinification of Petit Verdot and the resulting tannins are mature and well-integrated providing viscosity and body without undue astringency. The finish is long and flavors of toasted oak with a hint of mineral and chalk dust linger well after the wine is gone.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!